Terror bill passed in NSW

Laws giving police sweeping new powers during terrorist emergencies were passed by the NSW parliament today amid claims they were unconstitutional.

Despite challenges from the opposition and crossbenchers, the NSW upper house voted 27 to 7 to pass the government's Terrorism (Police Powers) Bill 2002 in its entirety.

The new laws give police more power to search people, vehicles and premises for seven days to prevent a terrorist attack, or for up to 48 hours after an incident has occurred.

The opposition unsuccessfully put forward an amendment extending the powers to seven days after a terrorist attack.

A second proposal making the police minister subject to the scrutiny of the state's corruption watchdog was dropped after the Crown solicitor stated the minister would be accountable to the Police Integrity Commission (PIC).");document.write("

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Mr Carr said the legislation was strong and balanced, and labelled the opposition's amendments "plain silly".

"The opposition is playing games here," he told reporters.

"When it comes to the adequacy of the 24 hours by which the powers are extended after an actual strike, the commissioner is happy ... the police are happy with these powers."

Police Minister Michael Costa told parliament he would like to continue with the bipartisan position that had been adopted on the issue.

"(This bill) gives the police the powers they require to meet terrorist situations but, at the same time, has an appropriate balance in it to ensure that civil liberties are protected," he said.